Curtain construction



Dec. 24, 1963 M. sNYDER CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. 29. 1961 il V2M M m A v V V N N A FIG.5

INVENToR. gy S n yd e r ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,115,181 CURTAIN CONSTRUCTIN Mary Snyder, 350 E. 30th St., New York, N.Y. Filed Nov. 29, 1961, Ser. No. 155,706 3 Claims. (Cl. 1611-19) This invention relates to a curtain construction, and more specically to an improved curtain construction of the type supported from a suitable support rod by means of hanger rings or hooks.

`Cafe type curtains, shower curtains, and often draperies or the like, are slidably supported on a suitable curtain rod by means of rings or hooks either fixed or detachably connected to the upper end of the curtain or drape. Heretofore, with curtains having such support hooks or rings connected to the upper marginal edge thereof, the rings were simply sewed to the upper end of the curtain and then threaded onto the support rod. Consequently, in the known construction the curtain support rings or hooks were always exposed to view. For the most part such ring type supports did not present a tinished and appealing appearance. Consequently, decorators and homemakers constantly attempted to conceal from view these generally unsightly support rings by use of valances, overhangs and various other types of extraneous expedients. While such expedients are practical in Irooms making up the living quarters of the home, such as kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms and the like, no such expedient was practical `fOr the bathroom shower curtain.

Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide for an improved curtain construction of the type supported by rings or hooks constructed and arranged in a manner so that the rings or hooks supporting the same are concealed from view when in use.

Another object is to provide an improved curtain construction having an integrally connected valance with novel means for maintaining the ring hooks normal to the valance in the operative position thereof.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision that the improved curtain construction is relatively simple in construction, easily manufactured, positive in operation, and appealing to the eye.

Other features and advantages will become readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specication in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear elevation view of the improved curtain construction of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2 2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the invention of FIG. 1 illustrating a ruie type valance.

FIG. 4 is a View similar to that of FIG. 3, but illustrating the curtain construction with a pinch type pleat.

FIG. S is a rear elevation view of a slightly modified form of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the improved curtain construction 1) of this invention. It comprises essentially a lower curtain or drape portion 11 and an upper integrally connected valance portion 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end of the material or lower drape portion 11 is provided with tripple reverse fold 13. The rst reverse fold 13A defines a hem 14 which extends along the top of the curtain portion 11, and in which there is formed a series of spaced eyelets 1S. Behind the second fold 13B of the material of the lower -curtain portion 11, opposite each of the eyelets 15 is the hanger hook or ring 16. In the illustrated embodiment, each ring 16 is illustrated as being substantially circular with releasably connecting end portions 16A and 16B. `Connected to one end 16A of the ring 16 is a pin 17 which is adapted to project through the "ree associated eyelet 15. The other end 16B of the ring .16 is provided with a suitable latch for releasably receiving the pin 17. Thus, to release the ring 16, a slight twisting movement is imparted thereto to disengage the connected ends 16B Ifrom pin 17 whereby the ring can then be freed from the eyelet.

Connected to the front upper portion of the curtain portion 11 is the improved valance portion 12 of the invention. It comprises a strip of material that extends along the upper extent of the curtain portion .1\1. The valance may be of similar or contrasting material. As shown, the lower edge of the valance 12 is provided with a reverse fold 18, the end 18A of which is disposed between second 13B and third 13C folds of the curtain portion 11; and it is connected therebetween by a sewn seam 19. The lower reverse fold 11S of the valance 12 is connected to the second reverse fold `13B of the curtain portion 11 by seam 2t). If desired the valance strip or portion 12 may be backed by a suitable strip of a stifene-r material 21. As shown, the lower edge 21A of the stiffener 21 is connected to the third fold 13C of the curtain portion 11 by seam 19. The upper end 21B of the stiffener Z1 is connected to the upper reverse fold 22 of the valance along a sewn seam 23.

In accordance with this invention cooperating means are provided on the upper end of the ring 16 and adjacent valance portion for securing the valance 12 thereto, and to maintain the ring 16 normal to the valance 12 so that the curtain construction may assume the proper drape and appearance.

As shown in FIGS. l and 2, the cooperating means includes a snap fastener 24 -comprising a male and female component 24A, 24B. One of the fastener components 24B is xed to the top of the ring 16. The other cooperating component 24A is sewn on a patch 25 connected to the stiffener 21 opposite the ring 16. Thus, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, with the ring 16 positioned in the eyelet 15, the fastener component 24A secured to the back side of the valance 12 is snapped to the cooperating component 24B on the ring 16. With each of the rings 16 transversely spaced along the top of the curtain thus secured, each ring 16 is disposed normal to the valance. Thus the rings are in axial alignment for receiving the curtain rod 26. With the construction described it will be apparent that in the operative position the valance 12 completely obscures from sight the supporting rings 16. If desired the va-lance 12 may be given the rutile appearance 12 of FIG. 3, or the pinch pleat appearance 12 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates a slightly modified form of the invention. In this form instead of the snap fasteners, a hook and loop construction 3@ is utilized to connect the valance 31 to the respective rings 32. In this form of the invention the ring 32 has integrally formed therein a hook 30A which is adapted to engage a ribbon loop 39B sewed to the back of the valance 31. In all other respects the construction of FIG. 5, is similar to that described in reference to FIGS. l and 2.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the instant curtain arrangement is relatively simple in construction and positive in operation, and that in its hanging position, the hanging hooks or rings 16 or 32 are completely concealed from view. While not to be restricted thereto, the described construction has particular utility for shower curtains.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A curtain construction comprising a curtain having a drape portion and a connected valance portion, said drape portion having a first, second and third reverse fold adjacent the upper end thereof to define a hem extending transversely along the upper edge of said drape portion, a plurality of transversely spaced eyelets formed in the upper edge and first reverse fold of said hem, said valance having reverse folds along the upper and lower edge portions thereof, the reverse fold along the lower edge of said valance being disposed between the second and third folds of said hem, a sewn seam connecting the lower edge of said valance to the hem of said drape portion, a stiiening material backing up said valance, the upper edge of said stiiening material being sewn to the reverse fold of the upper edge of said valance and the lower edge portion of said stirlener being connected by a sewn seam to the third reverse fold of said hem, a ring hanger adapted to be releasably engaged in each of said eyelets, and cooperating means on each of said ring hangers and adjacent portion of said valance for securing and maintaining each of said hanger rings normal to the valance and in position for receiving a support rod, said cooperating means being completely obscured from visual observation in the operative position thereof.

2. A curtain construction comprising a curtain having a drape portion and a connected valance portion, said drape portion having a first, second and third reverse fold adjacent the upper end thereof to define a hem eX- tending transversely along the upper edge of said drape portion, a plurality of transversely spaced eyelets formed in the upper edge and first reverse fold of said hem, said valance having reverse folds along the upper and lower edge portions thereof, the reverse fold along the lower edge of said valance being disposed between the second and third folds of said hem, a sewn seam connecting the lower edge of said valance to the hem of said drape portion, a stiiening material backing up said valance, the upper edge of said stifening material being sewn to the reverse fold of the upper edge of said valance and the lower edge portion of said stiffener being connected by a sewn seam to the third reverse fold of said hem, a ring hanger adapted to be releasably engaged in each of said eyelets, and cooperating means on each of said ring hangers and adjacent portion of said valance for securing and maintaining each of said hanger rings normal to the valance and in position for receiving a support rod, said cooperating means including a snap fastener having a male and female component, one of said components being secured to said ring and the other of said components being connected to the portion of the valance adjacent said ring whereby inthe operative position said components snap together and are completely obscured in the positive position thereof.

3. A curtain construction comprising a curtain having a drape portion and a connected valance portion, said drape portion having a iirst, second and third reverse fold adjacent the upper end thereof to define a hem eX- tending transversely along the upper edge of said drape portion, a plurality of transversely spaced eyelets formed in the upper edge and first reverse yfold of said hem, said valance having reverse folds along the upper and lower edge portions thereof, the reverse fold along the lower edge of said valance being disposed between the second and third folds of said hem, a sewn seam connecting the lower edge of said valance to the hem of said drape por tion, a stiffening material backing up said valance, the upper edge of said stiening material being sewn to the reverse fold of the upper edge of said valance and the lower edge portion of said stiiener being connected by a sewn seam to the third reverse fold of said hem, a ring hanger adapted to be releasaoly engaged in each of said eyelets, and cooperating means on each of said ring hangers and adjacent portion of said valance for securing and maintaining each of said hanger rings normal to the valance and in position for receiving a support rod, said cooperating means including a hook connected to the top of each ring, and a loop connected to said valance opposite said hook so that in the operative position said hook is engaged with said loop, said cooperating means being completely obscured from visual observation in the operative position thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 793,854 Spickerman July 4, 1905 817,968 French et al Apr. 17, 1906 1,447,126 Dwyer Feb. 27, 1923 1,606,580 Kirsch Nov. 9, 1926 1,934,452 Siegel Nov. 7, 1933 2,320,308 Silverman May 25, 1943 2,594,624 Dubinsky Apr. 29, 1952 2,868,286 Odermann Jan. 13, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,223,955 France June 21, 1960 

1. A CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING A CURTAIN HAVING A DRAPE PORTION AND A CONNECTED VALANCE PORTION, SAID DRAPE PORTION HAVING A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD REVERSE FOLD ADJACENT THE UPPER END THEREOF TO DEFINE A HEM EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY ALONG THE UPPER EDGE OF SAID DRAPE PORTION, A PLURALITY OF TRANSVERSELY SPACED EYELETS FORMED IN THE UPPER EDGE AND FIRST REVERSE FOLD OF SAID HEM, SAID VALANCE HAVING REVERSE FOLDS ALONG THE UPPER AND LOWER EDGE PORTIONS THEREOF, THE REVERSE FOLD ALONG THE LOWER EDGE OF SAID VALANCE BEING DISPOSED BETWEEN THE SECOND AND THIRD FOLDS OF SAID HEM, A SEWN SEAM CONNECTING THE LOWER EDGE OF SAID VALANCE TO THE HEM OF SAID DRAPE PORTION, A STIFFENING MATERIAL BACKING UP SAID VALANCE, THE UPPER EDGE OF SAID STIFFENING MATERIAL BEING SEWN TO THE 